21 Hairstyles for Teenagers That Express Personality

1. The Textured Shag Cut

The shag is back and better than ever. This iconic cut is all about effortless, layered texture and a carefree vibe. With its choppy ends and face-framing layers, it adds incredible volume and movement to any hair type. It’s perfect for the teen who loves a rock-and-roll, slightly undone look that’s still incredibly cool. Ask your stylist for a modern shag with curtain bangs for maximum impact.

2. Bold Money Piece Highlights

Want to experiment with colour without a full commitment? The money piece is your answer. This technique involves brightening the front sections of hair that frame your face—think from your part down to your chin. Whether you choose platinum blonde, pastel pink, or neon green, it’s a fantastic way to accentuate your features and add a pop of personality. It works on both straight and curly hair, making it a versatile choice.

3. Curly Fro with Defined Ringlets

Celebrate your natural texture! A full, healthy curly fro is a stunning and powerful statement. The key is definition and health. Using curl-defining creams and gels, you can shape your ringlets to perfection. This style speaks to confidence, pride, and joy. Accessorise with colourful scarves, headbands, or clips to take your look to the next level.

4. The Blunt Bob with Bangs

Sharp, sleek, and undeniably chic, the blunt bob is for the teen who prefers a polished yet edgy aesthetic. When paired with straight-across bangs, it creates a graphic, fashion-forward look. This style exudes confidence and clarity. It works best on straight or slightly wavy hair and requires regular trims to keep those lines sharp.

5. Space Buns

Playful, quirky, and instantly fun, space buns are a go-to style for festivals, parties, or just a day when you’re feeling extra. You can wear them high on your head, at the crown, or even lower for a different vibe. Make them neat and tight for a polished look, or go for messy, textured buns for a more relaxed feel. They’re a fantastic way to keep hair off your face while showing off your playful side.

6. Layered Wolf Cut

If the shag and a mullet had a cool baby, it would be the wolf cut. This style is characterised by heavy, dramatic layers throughout, with lots of volume at the crown and shorter pieces around the face. It’s wild, untamed, and perfect for the teen who marches to the beat of their own drum. It looks amazing with natural waves or when styled with a texturing spray.

7. Pastel Dip-Dye

For the dreamer and the artist, pastel dip-dye offers a soft, ethereal take on colourful hair. Imagine the ends of your hair fading into shades like lavender, mint green, or baby blue. It’s a less permanent option than an all-over color and creates a beautiful, gradient effect. This style is ideal for blondes or those who have pre-lightened their ends.

8. Sleek High Ponytail

Never underestimate the power of a sleek, high ponytail. It’s athletic, elegant, and commanding. This style says you mean business, whether you’re heading to practice, a debate tournament, or just want a clean, put-together look. The key is smoothing gel or serum to eliminate flyaway and pulling the hair tight from the crown of the head.

9. The Modern Mullet

The mullet has been reclaimed and redesigned for a new generation. The modern version is less “business in the front, party in the back” and more a stylish blend of short layers on top and longer, textured ends. It’s a bold, rebellious choice that’s perfect for teens who want to challenge traditional style norms and embrace an androgynous or alternative look.

10. Box Braids with Coloured Extensions

Box braids are a protective style that offers endless creative possibilities. Adding colored synthetic hair into the mix—think a few strands of blue, red, or purple woven in—takes this classic style to new heights. It’s a way to experiment with color and length without damaging your natural hair, all while making a vibrant, personal statement.

11. The Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

The ultimate in casual-cool elegance. This isn’t your messy bun from gym class; it’s an intentionally artful style. Pull your hair up loosely, let a few tendrils escape around your face and neck, and use a texturing spray to create a soft, romantic effect. It’s effortless, flattering, and works for literally any occasion.

12. Asymmetrical Pixie Cut

For the truly bold and adventurous, an asymmetrical pixie is the ultimate short haircut. With longer, sweeping sides on one part and a shorter, tapered back, this cut is dramatic, fashion-forward, and incredibly easy to style. It highlights your facial features and showcases a fearless, creative personality.

13. Half-Up, Half-Down with Clips

This style is a playground for accessories. Pull the top section of your hair back, but instead of a simple elastic, decorate it with statement clips, pearls, or colorful barrettes. It’s a sweet, trendy, and highly customizable look that lets you match your hair to your outfit or mood. Perfect for a day at school or a hangout with friends.

14. Long Layers with Beach Waves

The quintessential effortlessly beautiful look. Long, face-framing layers add movement and body, while loose beach waves (created with a curling wand or braids overnight) give off a sunny, relaxed vibe. This style is for the free-spirited teen who loves a natural, healthy, and versatile look that goes from class to a date with ease.

15. Neon Underlights

Want a hidden surprise? Neon underlights are color that’s only visible when you want it to be. The vibrant hue is applied to the bottom layer of your hair, so when your hair is down, it’s subtle. But when you put it in a ponytail, braid, or half-up style—BAM!—a flash of electric green, orange, or pink appears. It’s a secret expression of your wild side.

16. French Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

Channel Parisian chic with a French bob. This cut sits at the jawline and is often slightly angled. Paired with soft, side-swept bangs, it creates a look that is both sophisticated and youthful. It’s a timeless style for the teen who appreciates classic fashion with a touch of intrigue.

17. Two French Braids

Sporty, practical, and adorable, double French braids are a timeless choice. They keep hair completely secure and off your face, making them perfect for active teens. But they’ve also become a major street-style trend. You can make them tight and neat or pull them apart slightly for a bohemian, lived-in feel.

18. The Curly Bob (The “Bixie”)

The “bixie”—a blend between a bob and a pixie—is fantastic for curly hair. It’s a short, rounded cut that maximizes your curl pattern and volume. This style is full of life and bounce, showcasing a joyful and dynamic personality. It’s low-maintenance in that it requires less product, but high-impact in its style.

19. Hair Wrapped with Bandana or Scarf

Sometimes, the best accessory is a piece of fabric. A colorful bandana or silk scarf can be tied as a headband, wrapped around a ponytail, or used to create a retro-inspired turban style. It’s an instant outfit completer and a way to show off your personal taste in patterns and colors.

20. The Slicked-Back Wet Look

Inspired by runway and red-carpet trends, the slicked-back wet look is the epitome of high-fashion glamour. Using a strong-hold gel or pomade, comb your hair back away from your face for a sleek, glossy finish. It’s a dramatic and powerful style for a special event or when you want to make a statement with pure polish.

21. DIY Hair Accessories & Charms

Your personality isn’t just in the cut or color—it’s in the details. Weave in tiny charms, beads, or ribbons into braids, or attach them to hairpins. This DIY approach allows for ultimate creativity. You can change them daily, tell a story, or showcase your favorite symbols. It’s a tiny, personal touch that makes any hairstyle uniquely yours.

Find Your Signature Style

The most important rule in teen hair is this: there are no rules. Your hair is an extension of your identity, and it should make you feel confident and happy. Use these 21 ideas as a springboard for your own creativity. Mix and match elements, talk to a trusted stylist, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you choose a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, the best hairstyle is the one that feels like you. So go ahead—express yourself!